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The Grand Central Bar

O'Connell Street

Another bank converted to a pub, The Grand Central used to be an AIB branch, leased until recently to Ulster Bank. Here's a suggestion for the Irish Government: bring in a bill requiring all banks to convert to public houses by 2008, thus solving most of society's problems in one fell swoop (though, some might argue, exacerbating one of them).

The Grand Central is a pub with attitude, from the rugby shirts behind the bar to the extensive cocktail menu. It has a right to be. Due to an ancient by-law it is only the third bar on Dublin's main street - O'Connell Street. But it's by far the most beautiful. Built at a time when the banks liked to show their money (and not just to their shareholders), the main room of the Grand Central is a classically proportioned construction of stone and marble, with four columns set around a central dome. New owners the Louis Fitzgerald Group have decorated this with a distinct eye for the original 1920 architecture, plush reds and leather creating an almost bordello-like comfort. A second bar continues the theme in mahogany, with a flat-screen TV for sport.

There's also a small downstairs bar, open at the weekend but available for private functions.

This is a pub that appeals to all tastes, from the traditionalist to the young socialite. Although new, I'm reminded of some great bars, like Liverpool's Philharmonic. If you're staying in the Gresham or the Royal Dublin, or elsewhere in the area, be sure to visit The Grand Central.